I can assure you that we heard you loud and clear, and we will very much be engaged.
Benjamin L. Cardin
The Public Record
Benjamin L. Cardin is a prominent American politician currently serving as a United States Senator from Maryland. A member of the Democratic Party, Cardin has been in office since 2007, following a long career in public service that includes serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007. Throughout his tenure, he has focused on various issues, including healthcare, economic development, and foreign policy. Cardin is known for his advocacy on human rights and has been vocal about international issues, particularly regarding authoritarian regimes. His recent statements highlight his commitment to addressing human rights abuses and holding oppressive governments accountable.
If this program continues to get watered down or taken away, given the fact that discrimination still exists in America, if this program goes away it would even make it more difficult for small businesses, minority businesses, women-owned…
It is hard to break that cycle. And if you are a small business, is you are not as attractive as larger small businesses.
We find discriminatory practices of contracting authorities trying to bundle contracts to make it impossible for minority businesses to have a fair chance at a prime contract.
Supporting Black American businesses is not just about economic empowerment. It is about fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Discrimination against minority and women business owners is as despicable as it is pervasive.
We need to engage all of the talent we have in our community for the full strength of America.
It is important that we, as a country, recognize that when we exclude parts of our society we are actively undermining the social, political, and economic potential of our country.
To put an injunction on business services that uniquely tailor to the needs of minority individuals is unconscionable.
I am honored to be holding this hearing at Maryland's oldest HBCU, focusing on how targeted Federal programs address the impact of racial discrimination and promote opportunity for minority communities.
It was a real testament to the strength of a community to fight for integration in 1960.